Reese’s Owls Cupcake Toppers Recipe

If you’re looking for an adorable and delicious way to jazz up your cupcakes this season, you’re going to fall head over heels for my Reese’s Owls Cupcake Toppers Recipe. These little no-bake owl toppers add such a fun, festive vibe and a burst of peanut butter chocolate goodness that’s just fan-freaking-tastic. Trust me, once you try this recipe, your cupcakes won’t be the same again!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, each ingredient plays a fun role — from the fudgy chocolate cake base to the peanut buttery Reese’s cups acting as the body of our owls. I always pick high-quality candy eyes and fresh peanut butter cups to get the best results with these toppers.

• Chocolate cake mix: A reliable boxed mix is perfect here—it ensures moist cupcakes every single time.
• Chocolate frosting: Smooth and creamy frosting helps the sprinkles stick and adds a rich chocolate flavor.
• Sprinkles: Choose festive sprinkles to add a little sparkle and fun texture on top of the cupcakes.
• Reese’s peanut butter cups: The star of the show—these form the owl’s body and offer that classic peanut butter chocolate combo you love.
• Mini Oreo cookies: These are broken apart to become the owl’s wings.
• Edible candy eyeballs: The cutest owl eyes! Make sure they’re edible and safe for decorating.
• Orange chocolate covered sunflower seeds or mini candy corn: These become the owl’s beak—pick whichever you find easier to work with.
• Chocolate melting wafers: These melt smoothly and act as edible glue to hold all parts together.
• Short lollipop sticks: They give your Reese’s cups stability to stand tall on cupcakes.

Variations

One of the things I love most about the Reese’s Owls Cupcake Toppers Recipe is how easy it is to adapt! Feel free to personalize the look or swap out certain candies based on your preferences or what’s available.

• Use mini peanut butter cups: When I’ve been in a pinch, using miniature Reese’s cups gives smaller owls that are perfect for bite-sized cupcakes.
• Switch the beak: If you don’t have orange sunflower seeds or candy corn, an orange M&M candy can work as a colorful substitute.
• Frosting flavor: Chocolate frosting is my go-to, but vanilla or peanut butter frosting also pairs wonderfully here.
• Decorate for other seasons: Change sprinkles and candy eyes colors to create Valentine’s or winter-themed owls with just a few tweaks.

How to Make Reese’s Owls Cupcake Toppers Recipe

Step 1: Bake and frost your cupcakes

Start by preparing the chocolate cupcakes according to the instructions on your cake mix box. I like to use cupcake liners for easy removal and cleanup. Once baked, allow them to cool completely before frosting—this keeps the frosting smooth and prevents it from melting. After frosting, sprinkle your festive sprinkles generously on top for that extra pop of color and texture.

Step 2: Melt the chocolate wafers

Place the chocolate melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them in 20-30 second bursts, stirring in between until the mixture is silky smooth. This melted chocolate is your edible glue, so keep it warm but be careful not to overheat or burn it.

Step 3: Prep the Reese’s cups and add the sticks

Grab a sharp knife and carefully slice a small slit in the side of each Reese’s peanut butter cup. Dip one end of a lollipop stick into the melted chocolate, then gently push it straight into the slit. This step took me a few tries the first time—I learned to go slow and steady because sliding in at an angle tends to crack the cup.

Step 4: Create the owl’s face with Oreos and candy eyes

Twist apart each mini Oreo cookie to use the half with the frosting. Using a toothpick, dab melted chocolate on the back of two candy eyeballs and stick them onto the frosting side of the Oreo halves. Let this set for a minute so the eyes get nice and secure.

Step 5: Assemble your owls

Attach the Oreo half with eyes on top of the Reese’s cup by applying a small amount of melted chocolate on the back of the cookie—this acts like glue. Then, dab a little melted chocolate underneath the candy seed or mini candy corn to create the beak and carefully place it right below the eyes on the Oreo. Let your masterpieces set well before placing them onto the frosted cupcakes.

How to Serve Reese’s Owls Cupcake Toppers Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding extra Halloween or fall-themed sprinkles around the owls on the cupcake tops—that little pop of color really brings the whole festive look together. You could also dust just a bit of edible glitter or cocoa powder for a subtle shine or depth.

Side Dishes

For gatherings, I often serve these on a dessert tray alongside spiced apple cider or hot chocolate, making the perfect cozy pairing. Simple sides like fresh fruit skewers or a small selection of nuts balance out the sweetness well.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the cupcakes on a wooden platter surrounded by autumn leaves or corn husks for a rustic look. For Halloween parties, place little “nest” decorations made of shredded coconut dyed with food coloring under the cupcakes to enhance the owl theme.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I find storing leftover cupcakes with the Reese’s Owls in an airtight container in the refrigerator keeps them fresh for up to 2 days. Just be mindful that the chocolate candy may soften slightly in warmer conditions, so keeping them cool is the key.

Freezing

When I freeze leftovers, I usually remove the owls first to protect their shape, freeze the cupcakes and toppers separately, then reassemble after thawing. This way, the chocolate decorations don’t crack or get messy. Frozen cupcakes stay good for about a month.

Reheating

Leftover cupcakes are best enjoyed at room temperature. I usually let them sit out for 30 minutes before serving to bring back that fresh-baked softness—just avoid microwaving as it might melt your owl toppers.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Reese’s Owls Cupcake Toppers Recipe brings whimsy and mouthwatering flavor together in such an easy, approachable way. I still remember the first time I made these for a fall party—my family went crazy, and they quickly became a staple every Halloween after. If you’re after a delightful crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, this recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen.

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